Here It Is: The Text of Uganda’s Proposed Anti-Homosexuality Bill

Jim Burroway

October 15th, 2009

We just received early this morning the full text of the proposed Anti-Homosexuality Bill that was introduced into Uganda’s Parliament yesterday. It is greatly expanded from the earlier draft dated April 20, 2009.

Like the earlier draft, the current bill reiterates a lifetime imprisonment on conviction of homosexuality, and defines a new category called “aggravated homosexuality” with provisions for the death penalty upon conviction. Among the factors which can lead to “aggravated homosexuality” is if one partner is HIV-positive. This bill would mandate HIV testing to determine eligibility for “aggravated homosexuality.”

Also like the earlier draft, the bill includes a complete ban on all LGBT activities — including blogging — which could be construed as “promoting homosexuality.” This infringement on free speech,  peaceful assembly, and redress of grievances marks the elimination of fundamental human rights for LGBT Ugandans. The bill also bans all organizations which advocate on behalf of LGBT citizens and holds their leadership criminally liable with fines and imprisonment for up to seven years.

The bill also retains provisions which require that if someone knows that someone is engaging in homosexuality, that person is to report them to the police within twenty-four hours or face fines and/or up to a three year prison sentence themselves. The bill also extends jurisdiction to acts committed outside Uganda by Ugandan citizens. In other words, if a Ugandan citizen is known to be in a gay relationship outside the country, he will risk lifetime imprisonment (or death, if he’s HIV-positive) upon his return. The bill also provides for the extradition of citizens from abroad.

The bill also voids all treaties and international obligations which violate ” the spirit and provisions enshrined in this Act.”

The new bill adds some additional provisions over the previous draft. This bill adds the category of “attempted homosexuality” and provides a penalty of seven years in prison. For “attempted aggravated homosexuality,” the penalty is lifetime imprisonment. It also provides for compensation for “victims” of homosexuality, a provision in law which is sure to result in consensual partners turning against their partner to not only avoid the draconian legal penalties, but to claim the status of victim and seek compensation.

Further, the bill now adds an explicit ban on same-sex marriage. Anyone who enters into a same-sex marriage, either in Uganda or abroad, will liable for a lifetime imprisonment. New charges of “aiding and abetting homosexuality” and “conspiracy to engage in homosexuality” would carry a prison sentence of seven years. There is also a new charge for operating a brothel, with a definition so broad as to include any hotel owner. That, too, carries a prison sentence of seven years.

The original PDF of the document is here (PDF: 847KB/16 pages), and the full text is provided below.

Click here to see BTB\’s complete coverage of recent anti-gay developments in Uganda.


THE ANTI HOMOSEXUALITY BILL. 2009.
MEMORANDUM

1.1. The principle
The object of this Bill is to establish a comprehensive consolidated legislation to protect the traditional family by prohibiting (i) any form of sexual relations between persons of the same sex; and (ii) the promotion or recognition of such sexual relations in public institutions and other places through or with the support of any Government entity in Uganda or any non governmental organization inside or outside the country.

This Bill aims at strengthening the nation’s capacity to deal with emerging internal and external threats to the traditional heterosexual family.

This legislation further recognizes the fact that same sex attraction is not an innate and immutable characteristic.

The Bill further aims at providing a comprehensive and enhanced legislation to protect the cherished culture of the people of Uganda. legal, religious, and traditional family values of the people of Uganda against the attempts of sexual rights activists seeking to impose their values of sexual promiscuity on the people of Uganda.

There is also need to protect the children and youths of Uganda who are made vulnerable to sexual abuse and deviation as a result of cultural changes, uncensored information technologies, parentless child developmental settings and increasing attempts by homosexuals to raise children in homosexual relationships through adoption, foster care, or otherwise.

2.1. Defects In existing law.
This proposed legislation is designed to fill the gaps in the provisions of other laws in Uganda e.g. the Penal Code Act Cap. 120.

The Penal Code Act (CapI20) has no comprehensive provision catering for anti homosexuality. It focuses on unnatural offences under section 145 and lacks provisions for penalizing the procurement, promoting, disseminating literature and other pornographic materials concerning the offences of homosexuality hence the need for legislation to provide for charging, investigating, prosecuting, convicting and sentencing of offenders.

This legislation comes to complement and supplement the provisions of the Constitution of Uganda and the Penal Code Act Cap 120 by not only criminalizing same sex marriages but also same-sex sexual acts and other related acts.

3.0. The objectives of the Bill
The objectives of the Bill are to:

(a) provide for marriage in Uganda as that contracted only between a man and a woman;

(b) prohibit and penalize homosexual behavior and related practices in Uganda as they constitute a threat to the traditional family;

(e) prohibit ratification of any international treaties, conventions, protocols, agreements and declarations which are contrary or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act;

(d) prohibit the licensing of organizations which promote homosexuality.

3.1. Part I of the Bill incorporating clause 1 provides for preliminary mailers relating to interpretation of the words and phrases used in the Bill.

3.2. Part II of the Bill incorporating clause 2 to 6 prohibits homosexuality and related practices by introducing the offences of engaging In homosexuality, and the penalties of imprisonment upon conviction. This pan also provides for protection, assistance and support for victims of homosexuality.

3.3. Part III of the Bill incorporating clause 7 to clause 14 creates offences and penalties for acts that promote homosexuality, failure to report the offence and impose a duty on the community to report suspected cases of homosexuality.

3.4. Part IV of the Bill incorporating clause 15 to clause 17 provides for the jurisdiction of Uganda Courts in case of Homosexuality, including extra territorial jurisdiction.

3.5. Part V of the Bill incorporating clauses 18 and 19 provides for miscellaneous provisions on International Treaties, Protocols. Declarations and conventions and the Minister to make regulations to give effect to the Act.

Schedule of the Bill gives the value of the currency point.

HON DAVID BAHATI,
Member of Parliament, Ndorwa County West Kabale.

THE ANTI HOMOSEXUALITY BILL, 2009.
ARRANGEMENT OF CLAUSES.
PART I — PRELIMINARY

Clause
I. Interpretation.

PART ll-PROHIBITION OF HOMOSEXUALITY.

2. The offence of homosexuality
3. Aggravated homosexuality.
4. Attempt to commit homosexuality.
5. Protection, assistance and payment of compensation to victims of homoseuxality
6. Confidentiality.

PART Ill — RELATED OFFENCES AND PENALTIES.

7. Aiding and abating homosexuality.
8. Conspiracy to engage in homosexuality.
9. Procuring homosexuality. by threats, etc.
10. Detention with intent to commit homosexuality.
11. Brothels.
12. Same sex marriage.
13. Promotion of homosexuality.
14. Failure to disclose the offence.

PART IV — JURISDICTION.

15. Jurisdiction.
16. Extra-territorial Jurisdiction.
17. Extradition.

PART V — MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

18. International treaties.
19. Regulations.

Schedule

Currency point.


A BILL FOR AN ACT
ENTITLED
THE ANTI HOMOSEXUALITY ACT, 2009.

An Act to prohibit any form of sexual relations between persons of the same sex; prohibit the promotion or recognition of such relations and to provide for other related matters.

BE IT ENACTED by Parliament as follows:

PART I — PRELIMINARY.

1. Interpretation.

In this Act. unless the context otherwise requires —

“authority” means having power and control over other people because of your knowledge and official position; and shall include a person who exercises religious. political, economic or social authority;

“bisexual” means a person who is sexually attracted to both males and females;

“child” means a person below the age of 18 years:

“currency point” has the value assigned to it in the Schedule to this Act;

“disability” means a substantial limitation of daily life activities caused by physical. mental or sensory impairment and environment barriers resulting in limited participation;

“felony” means an offence which is declared by law to be a felony or if not declared to be a misdemeanor is punishable without proof of previous conviction, with death or with imprisonment for 3 years or more.;

“gay”” means a male person who engages in sexual intimacy with another person of the same sex;

“‘gender”” means male or female;

“HIV” means the Human Immunodeficiency Virus;

“homosexual”‘ means a person who engages or attempts to engage in same gender sexual activity;

“homosexuality”’ means same gender or same sex sexual  acts;

“lesbian” means a female who engages in sexual intimacy with another female;

“Minister'” means the Minister responsible for ethics and  integrity;

“misdemeanor” means an offence which is not a felony;

“serial offender” means a person who has previous convictions of the offence of homosexuality or related offences;

“sexual act” includes —

(a) physical sexual activity that does not necessarily culminate in intercourse and may include the touching of another’s breast, vagina, penis or anus:

(b) stimulation or penetration of a vagina or mouth or anus or any part of the body of any person, however slight by a sexual organ;

(c) the unlawful use of any object or organ by a person on another person’s sexual organ or anus or mouth;

“sexual organ” means a vagina, penis or any artificial sexual contraption;

“touching” includes touching—

(a) with any part of the body;

(b) with anything else;

(c) through anything;

and in particular includes touching amounting to penetration of any sexual organ. anus or mouth.

“victim” includes a person who is involved in homosexual activities against his or her will.

PART II — HOMOSEXUALITY AND RELATED PRACTICES.

2. The offence of homosexuality.
(1) A person commits the offence of homosexuality if-

(a) he penetrates the anus or mouth of another person of the same sex with his penis or any other sexual contraption;

(b) he or she uses any object or sexual contraption to penetrate or stimulate sexual organ of a person of the same sex;

(c) he or she touches another person with the intention of committing the act of homosexuality.

(2) A person who commits an offence under this section shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for life.

3. Aggravated homosexuality.
(1) A person commits the offense of aggravated homosexuality where the

(a) person against whom the offence is committed is below the age of 18 years;

(b) offender is a person living with HIV;

(c) offender is a parent or guardian of the person against whom the offence is committed;

(d) offender is a person in authority over the person against whom the offence is committed;

(e) victim of the offence is a person with disability;

(f) offender is a serial offender, or

(g) offender applies, administers or causes to be used by any man or woman any drug, matter or thing with intent to stupefy overpower him or her so as to there by  enable any person to have unlawful carnal connection with any person of the same sex,

(2) A person who commits the offence of aggravated homosexuality shall be liable on conviction to suffer death.

(3) Where a person is charged with the offence under this section, that person shall undergo a medical examination to ascertain his or her HIV status.

4, Attempt to commit homosexuality.
(1) A person who attempts to commit the offence of homosexuality commits a felony and is liable on conviction to imprisonment seven years.

(2) A person who attempts to commit the offence of aggravated homosexuality commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for life.

5. Protection, assistance and payment of compensation to victims of homosexuality.
(1 ) A victim of homosexuality shall not be penalized for any crime commuted as a direct result of his or her involvement in homosexuality.

(2) A victim of homosexuality shall be assisted to enable his or her views and concerns to be presented and considered at the appropriate stages of the criminal proceedings.

(3) Where a person is convicted of homosexuality or aggravated homosexuality under sections 2 and 3 of this Act, the court may, in addition to any sentence imposed on the offender, order that the victim of the offence be paid compensation by the offender for any physical, sexual or psychological harm caused to the victim by the offence.

(4) The amount of compensation shall be determined by the court and the court shall take into account the extent of harm suffered by the victim of the offence. the degree of force used by the offender and medical and other expenses incurred by the victim as a result of the offence.

6. Confidentiality.
(1) At any stage of the Investigation or trial of an offence under this Act, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, judicial officers and medical practitioners, as well as parties to the case, shall recognize the right to privacy of the victim.

(2) For the purpose of subsection (I), in cases involving children and other cases where the court considers it appropriate. proceedings of the court shall be conducted in camera, outside the presence of the media.

(3) Any editor or publisher, reporter or columnist in case of printed materials. announcer or producer in case of television and radio, producer or director of a film to case of the movie industry. or any person utilizing trimedia facilities or information technology who publishes or causes the publicity of the names and personal circumstances or any other information tending to establish the victim’s identity without authority of court commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding two hundred and fifty currency points.

7. Aiding and abating homosexuality
A person who aids, abets, counsels or procures another to engage in acts of homosexuality commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for seven years.

8. Conspiracy to engage in homosexuality.
A person who conspires with another to induce another person of the same sex by any means of false pretence or other fraudulent means to permit any person of the same sex to have unlawful carnal knowledge of him or her commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for seven years.

9. Procuring homosexuality by threats, etc.
(1) A person who–

(a) by threats or intimidation procures or attempts to procure any woman or man to have any unlawful carnal knowledge with any person of the same sex, either in Uganda or elsewhere;

(b) by false pretences or false representations procures any woman or man to have any unlawful carnal connection with any person of the same sex, either in Uganda or elsewhere; or

(2) A person shall not be convicted of an offence under this section upon the evidence of one witness only, unless that witness is corroborated in some material particular by evidence implicating the accused.

10. Detention with intent to commit homosexuality.
A person who detains another person with the intention to commit acts of homosexuality with him or herself or with any other person commits an offence and is liable on conviction for seven years.

11. Brothels.
(1)  A person who keeps a house, room,set of rooms or place of any kind for the purposes of homosexuality commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for seven years.

2) A person being the owner or occupier of premises or having or acting or assisting in the management or control of the premises, induces or knowingly suffers any man or woman to resort to or be upon such premises for the purpose of being unlawfully and carnally known by any man or woman of the same sex whether such carnal knowledge is intended to be with any particular man or woman generally, commits a felony and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for five years.

12. Same sex marriage.
A person who purports to contract a marriage with another person of the same sex commits the offence of homosexuality and shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for life.

13. Promotion of homosexuality.
(1) A person who —

(a) participates in production, procuring, marketing, broadcasting, disseminating, publishing pornographic materials for purposes of promoting homosexuality;

(b) funds or sponsors homosexuality or other related activities;

(c) offers premises and other related fixed or movable assets for purposes of homosexuality or promoting homosexuality;

(d) uses electronic devices which include internet, films, mobile phones for purposes of homosexuality or promoting homosexuality and;

(e) who acts as an accomplice or attempts to promote or in any way abets homosexuality and related practices;

commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a line of live thousand currency points or imprisonment of a minimum of five years and a maximum of seven years or both fine and imprisonment.

(2) Where the offender is a corporate body or a business or an association or a non-governmental organization, on conviction its certificate of registration shall be cancelled and the director or proprietor or promoter shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for seven years.

14. Failure to disclose the offence.
A person in authority, who being aware of the commission of any offence under this Act, omits to report the offence to the relevant authorities within twenty-four hours of having first had that knowledge, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding two hundred and fifty currency points or imprisonment not exceeding three years.

PART IV — JURISDICTION

15. Jurisdiction.
Save for aggravated homosexuality that shall be tried by the High Court, the magistrates court shall have jurisdiction to try the other offences under this Act.

16. Extra- Territorial Jurisdiction.
This Act shall apply to offenses committed outside Uganda where —

(a) a person who, while being a citizen of or permanently residing in Uganda, commits an act outside Uganda, which act would constitute an offence under this Act had it been committed in Uganda; or

(b) the offence was committed partly outside and or partly in Uganda.

17. Extradition.
A person charged with an offence under this Act shall be liable to extradition under the existing extradition laws.

PART V — MISCELLANEOUS.

18. Nullification of inconsistent international treaties, protocols, declarations and conventions.(1) Any International legal instrument whose provisions are contradictory to the spirit and provisions enshrined in this Act, are null and void to the extent of their inconsistency.

(2) Definitions of “sexual orientation”, “sexual rights”, “sexual minorities”, “gender identity” shall not be used in anyway to legitimize homosexuality, gender identity disorders and related practices in Uganda.

19. Regulations.
The Minister may, by statutory instrument. make regulations generally for better carrying out the provisions of this Act.

SCHEDULE

One currency point is equivalent to twenty thousand shillings.

Click here to see BTB\’s complete coverage of recent anti-gay developments in Uganda.

Ephilei

October 15th, 2009

Words can’t describe this travesty. I won’t try.

Equally discouraging is thinking about how to repeal this bill. If passed, it would also be illegal for a member of parliament to introduce a bill to overturn this or for constituents to complain. This is perhaps the most horrifying legislation I’ve ever seen because, if passed, cannot be fought. Let hope that a person in Uganda, like the US, cannot be punished for a crime retrospectively.

Joe

October 15th, 2009

Why can’t the Ugandan Parliament put all this effort, time, and money into something more constructive such Outlawing Corruption and/or Developing their country…

Sad…

Raphael

October 15th, 2009

Will the Fierce Advocate say something about this? Or does advocacy stop short of preventing this kind of persecution?

Bob

October 15th, 2009

@Joe – Because people in the Ugandan Parliament profit from corruption, and getting people riled about the threat of homosexuality (or whatever else is convenient at the time) is one of the time-tested smokescreens used by corrupt governments to allow them to continue unchecked.

Lynn David

October 15th, 2009

19. Regulations.
The Minister may, by statutory instrument. make regulations generally for better carrying out the provisions of this Act.

Which means he can get as repressive as he deems necessary.

I hope someone in some department in the UN, EU, etc. are lobbying against this act by Uganda.

This acts provisions allow for someone to always take on the role of “victim.” In that way they take on the role of government informer and immediately elevate the crime of the other person to “aggravated homosexuality.” Something that seems to prurient desires of the Uganda anti-gay ministers and press.

Steve

October 15th, 2009

So, does anybody know what the statute of limitations is in Uganda?

Caleb Lee Brundidge’s past might have put him in jeopardy of conviction on a life sentence when he participated in the Uganda conference.

To the leaders of Exodus International: Note the absence of an exoneration clause for ex-gays.

An ex-gay ministry in Uganda could only operate at the peril of the people they wanted to help. The simplest surveillance or search warrant would reveal the names of people who could be rounded up for lifelong imprisonment or execution.

The ministry itself could be charged with knowing of, but not reporting, people who are homosexual.

The ministry itself could be prosecuted for promoting homosexuality if it advocated against execution of an HIV+ person.

So, Exodus, this is the kind of “freedom from homosexuality” you condone? No? Then, this is a part of the world in which you regret condoning board members’ participation in an anti-gay conference? No? What is it, then?

Mark F.

October 15th, 2009

85% of Uganda is Christian, mostly split between the Anglicans and the Catholics. 12% follow Islam. Interesting.

Jim

October 15th, 2009

GLBT people in Uganda should run. Now! I don’t think Uganda sounds like a nice place to live or visit. It reminds one of the movie, “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”, where the Queen of Vulgaria didn’t like children.

The Chitty Bang Bang was a real car. A Race car in the 1920s.

Link:
http://wikicars.org/en/Chitty_Chitty_Bang_Bang

Twosoulspirit

October 16th, 2009

Absolutely Shocking!
What a Travesty of Basic Human Rights!
Shouldn’t Uganda be focussing on crime, war, providing work for their countrymen and getting rid of all corruption rather than focussing on a naturally occurring phenomena that some individuals have no choice or control of?
Just goes to show how the fundamental religious groups are killing people souls in order to nurse their own illogical fear and strengthening their own agenda of hatred and intolerance…. Very Christianlike behaviour isn’t it?
I cannot believe civilized countries still communicate with or support this kind of government. It goes against every basic human right.

Vanessa Brueton

October 16th, 2009

You have to wonder about the person who sat down and came up with the term “aggrevated homosexuality” – and all the people who listen. Do we not have enough problems in Africa to keep everyone busy??? Never mind Africa, the whole world? What about:
a.) World hunger
b.) Poverty
c,) Global climate change
d.) War
e.) HIV
f.) Crime
…damn, I could go on for a long time but homosexuality is just not one of the things that come to mind. Makes me think of this quote I love: “Fear is the original sin” – but you have to ask yourself what is so scary about difference and diversity, we are different races, have different beliefs, we have different sexual preferences but we all human, we bleed, our hearts beat, we cry, we smile, we were all created the same way and we will all die. What difference does a difference make?

Lynn David

October 16th, 2009

The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) and Sexual Minorities of Uganda (SMUG) in calling for the swift dismissal of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill of 2009 and the protection of all Ugandans, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

http://www.iglhrc.org/cgi-bin/iowa/article/takeaction/globalactionalerts/989.html

Lynn David

October 17th, 2009

Articles condemning Bahati’s Bill in Uganda to expand penalties for homosexuality.

Uganda: Bahati’s Bill – a Convenient Distraction for Country’s Government
Opinion By Solome Nakaweesi-Kimbugwe and Frank Mugisha
http://allafrica.com/stories/200910161126.html

Specifically calls out American anti-gays for infusing the climate of homophobia in Uganda:

Western-Backed Homophobia

A common claim put forward by homophobes in Uganda is that Western donors and human rights organisations are encouraging the spread of homosexuality in Uganda. Interestingly, what they never admit to is that fact that their own campaigning and mobilisation against lesbians and gay people is itself funded and supported by actors in the West, more specifically the Christian rightwing in the USA.

There is evidence to suggest that support for Bahati’s bill has come from extreme-right Christians in the United States of America who are working through allied churches and parliamentarians in Uganda. In March 2009 the Family Life Network, led by Ugandan Pastor Stephen Langa (affiliated to the Kampala Pentecostal Church), hosted a workshop entitled ‘Exposing the truth behind homosexuality and the homosexual agenda’. The workshop trainers included members of three American organisations well-known in US Christian rightwing circles:

–Scott Lively, co-founder of the hate group Watchmen on the Walls and author of The Pink Swastika, a pseudo-history book claiming that militant male homosexuals helped mastermind the Nazi holocaust

–Caleb Lee Brundidge, a ‘sexual reorientation’ coach for the International Healing Foundation, a Christian organisation that aims to ‘free’ people from ‘unwanted same-sex attraction’

–Don Schmierer, a board member for Exodus International, an umbrella body for Christian groups that seek to ‘reform’ homosexuals using Christian teachings.

Alongside the workshop, the Americans also met with MPs and influential religious actors. The Family Life Network has mobilised through churches across the country to deliver a petition to parliament calling for the introduction of stronger legislation against homosexuality. Bahati’s bill is the result.

______________

UGANDA: AIDS activists protest anti-gay bill
IRIN, the humanitarian news and analysis service of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=86620

“If this bill is passed it will be a clear violation of human rights and will push men who have sex with men even further underground than they are,” Beatrice Were, a Ugandan HIV/AIDS activist, told IRIN/PlusNews.

“Our national strategic plan for HIV/AIDS aims to achieve universal access to HIV prevention, treatment and care, but if people are criminalized and not allowed to exist, how can they access these services?” she added.

“Bahati’s proposed bill also supports stigma and discrimination against HIV-positive people, and would undermine years of efforts to tackle the epidemic,” Solome Nakaweesi-Kimbugwe, a human rights activist, and Frank Mugisha, co-chair of the rights group, Sexual Minorities Uganda, said in a statement.

“Uganda has been considered a ‘best practice’ leader in the fight against HIV and AIDS,” the statement continued. “If [the bill is] passed, this leadership status would be put in serious question.”

________________

Rights Groups Challenge Uganda’s New Same-Sex Proposal
VOANews.com

http://www.voanews.com/english/Africa/2009-10-16-voa5.cfm
_________________

Uganda: ‘Anti-Homosexuality’ Bill Threatens Liberties and Human Rights Defenders
Proposed Provisions Illegal, Ominous, and Unnecessary
Human Rights Watch

http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2009/10/15/uganda-anti-homosexuality-bill-threatens-liberties-and-human-rights-defenders

The draft “Anti-Homosexuality Bill” introduced on October 14, 2009 in Uganda’s parliament would violate human rights and should be withdrawn immediately, a group of 17 local and international human rights organizations said today.

“This bill is a blow to the progress of democracy in Uganda,” said David Kato of Sexual Minorities Uganda. “It goes against the inclusive spirit necessary for our economic as well as political development. Its spirit is profoundly undemocratic and un-African.”

“Discrimination and punitive laws like this aimed at marginalized groups and at those often among the most affected by HIV drives people underground and does nothing to help slow down the AIDS epidemic,” said Daniel Molokele, Africa program officer at the World AIDS Campaign.

“Certain provisions in this bill are illegal; they are also immoral,” said Kate Sheill, Amnesty International’s expert on sexual rights. “They criminalize a sector of society for being who they are, when what the government should be doing instead is protecting them from discrimination and abuse.”

Adam

October 21st, 2009

There’s a typo in your transcription – the “sexual offender” definition should read “serial offender”. That paragraph means that the death penalty can be applied to anyone with previous convictions for a similar offence (including non-HIV &c.)

Jim Burroway

October 21st, 2009

I’ve fixed the typo in the definitions section. PDF’s OCR mistranscribed much of the document and I had to go back and correct numerous errors, but missed that one. Thanks.

kankaka

October 23rd, 2009

No No, no!!!!, this is what well intentioned Ugandans were all waiting for. And, there is no such thing as homophobia. It is the natural distaste for evil.
We intend to protect the dignity of humanity by uncovering all ill-intentioned means of offenders of the laws of nature. Homosexuals and lesbians have a sexual identity disorder that urgently needs to be corrected by all possible means. Naked truth- whether you want it or not, the bill is going through.
We are a poor country but we rather die poor than trade our moral identity and disobey the laws of nature.

I call on all human rights activists to support this bill with all they can.
Uganda is not bending low on this. Political suicide for any member of parliament that does not support the bill!!!
Take it or leave it.

isaac

November 9th, 2009

well humanity should be observed i cant imagine a fool mutilating anothers anus and he goes unpunished way to go uganda homosexuality isnt cool at all

Matt Boynton

November 28th, 2009

This amounts to a call for murdering gays. If we cannot disarm these murderous thugs disguised as a government the least we can do is cut off all trade and foreign investment and aid until the people overthrow them. Socially responsible investment groups must be sure to shun Uganda for this barbarism. It makes me sick than any of my taxpayer dollars would support such a country and I will lobby to have that stopped. We must identify Ugandan exporters and find our merchandise elsewhere. They may think it is fine to do what I want in their country but I think it is fine to punish them economically. This is a call to arms.

Weasel

December 14th, 2009

Wow. I am stunned.

“..’touching’ includes touching— (a) with any part of the body; (b) with anything else; (c) through anything; and in particular includes touching amounting to penetration of any sexual organ. anus or mouth.”

So, if I were Ugandan and had a son, and I were to stick a lollipop in his mouth, then I have committed THREE felonious offenses: touching, touching a child under 18, and homosexuality since it is a male child.

RIDICULOUS. I really hope Uganda’s government comes to their senses.

-Weasel

Mike

December 16th, 2009

Does every one know that The American Family Association has Glossed over this and called it a Progressive move in Uganda for the Battle against aids. They don’t even tell you it results in Execution.

mark

December 17th, 2009

what a sick country, the goverment want burning

tumwijuke

December 18th, 2009

@Mark, Twosoulspirit and anyone else who cares to read this:

The Government of Uganda is NOT the people or the country of Uganda.

To accuse an entire country of hate is akin to accuse the entire nation of the United States of America of mass murder in Iraq. Government’s are supposed to act on behalf of the people that elect them, but we know the reality is far from this.

Many Ugandan – gay or not, Christian or not – are opposed to this hateful bill. Do not act like a group of parliamentarians (and a section of the religious right) in Uganda by ignorantly turning your hate against my beautiful country.

sinner

February 6th, 2010

good for uganda , if only america and all other countries had that much care for its’ people. the world could start to heal from the damage and death brought to us curtacy of aids thru homosexual activities .

Priya Lynn

February 6th, 2010

Sinner, in Uganda AIDS is spread primarily through heterosexual activities as is the case throughout Africa. If you think killing people to lessen AIDS is a good idea you’ll have to start with heterosexuals.

Paul Batambuze Wamuk

February 14th, 2010

Oh Yes, This is the long awaited Law which should be embraced by all right thinking human beings by the way even animals and birds can support it. May God guide the members of Parliament, the president, cabinet and all Ugandans in their decision not to be intimidated by the so called Big Donors and Super Powers from the West who are threatening them. For us we dearly need this law passed very soon. It will be our greatest gift in the last 1000 years.

To hell with your you Homosexuality and Lesbianism. Sodom and Gomorrah of the Bible where destroyed of the same sin. Stop it and Repent to God as soon as possible to run a way from God’s judgment.

Paul Batambuze Wamuk

February 14th, 2010

Which human rights shall be violated?. No, No, No, that is madness of the heighest order that you who support the gay acts you are practicing. You,re violating our rights as Ugandans, Africans and sensible human beings. To me I think this is the worst crime you’ve ever commit before man and God.

Paul Batambuze Wamuk

February 14th, 2010

Which human rights shall be violated?. No, No, No, that is madness of the highest order that you who support the gay acts you are practicing. You,re violating our rights as Ugandans, Africans and sensible human beings. To me I think this is the worst crime you’ve ever commit before man and God.

Scott P.

February 14th, 2010

There are none so blind as those that will not see.

Burr

February 14th, 2010

I’m sorry my very existence is violating your rights. I’m off to kill myself now. Again sorry about that.. :P

Priya Lynn

February 14th, 2010

Paul the idea that loving gay couples miraculously violoate your rights is just crazy talk. You need psychiatric help.

Jason D

February 14th, 2010

come on, dear, let’s go to the bedroom where we’ll kiss, hug, and violate the rights of people who aren’t even in the room!

Emily K

February 14th, 2010

Oh Yes, This is the long awaited Law which should be embraced by all right thinking human beings by the way even animals and birds can support it.

Except, of course, for those gay dogs, cats, penguins, elephants, and sheep…

Marvin

February 21st, 2010

“Extra territorial jurisdiction of Ugandan Courts” including extradition is not a new or strange legal doctrine.

The United States has that policy in force regarding Americans who go abroad to sexually exploit children.

Scott P.

February 21st, 2010

I see, Marvin, so are you equating gay people with pedophiles?

Burr

February 21st, 2010

I don’t think he necessarily was. Just pointing out that it’s not unprecedented.

Paul Batambuze Wamuk

April 30th, 2010

The Bahati Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009 is so far the best law we have received in Uganda’s parliament. We are Ugandans who don’t need to be intimidated by anybody because of the your Monies. We want to protect the children, families and the African culture. Stop intimidating Hon. Bahati, he has a right to bring a private members bill.

We are soon reaching election time, this law is going to be a yardstick for choosing a member of Parliament and the President.

Priya Lynn

April 30th, 2010

Paul, loving gay couples are no threat to anyone’s children, familie or African culture. Your lying to enable the murder of innocent people is an outrageous evil.

Scott L.

April 30th, 2010

Don’t you all just love how people like Paul here keep whining about their right to run their country any way they want, but we don’t have the right to object, or even to petition our government to withhold our tax dollars from supporting their attempt to commit genocide against gay people?

Richard Rush

April 30th, 2010

Paul,

Have you ever noticed that the nations most accepting of their gay citizens are among the nations ranking highest in every measure of human well-being and prosperity? And have you noticed that the nations treating gays with vile contempt are among the nations ranking lowest in those measures? Even within the United States a similar correlation can be seen (to some degree) among the states.

If the people of Uganda want to improve their lives, they might want to start with a focus on education to reduce their ignorance, illiteracy, superstition, and poverty, rather than scapegoating gays as the solution to their problems. The scapegoating of unpopular minority groups has always been an effective way for people, governments, and religious leaders to deflect responsibility for their own failures.

Don

October 20th, 2010

There’s a website called biblelore.com that deals with lies about homosexuality and other myths like Sodom and Gomorrah in the Bible. Gays and lesbians should give it a look.

john

October 26th, 2012

This bill is a true expression of how disgusting it is to Ugandans(Africans) gay & lesibian thing is . We abhor this kind of thing and I wish the weat gets to know we just hate it to the core.
To suggest Ugandan parliaament is wsting time on this matter but should spend time on how to reduce on poverty eradication, heath matters, education , employment for her people etc, is to be diverionary because Ugandans(Africans)do not believe gay rights is a human right issue but a moral problem and since it is such, irrespective of our problems, mentioned, gay lifestyle cannot be left to continue because we have these problems.It the west that must come to terms with our belief and accept it in this case, just as we in Africa accepted some of their ways.WE BELIEVE GAY&LESBIANISM IS A MORAL DECCADANCE!

Priya Lynn

October 26th, 2012

John, gayness and lesbianism harms no one so they are perfectly moral.

You seek to kill gays and lesbians – you couldn’t be more immoral.

Until you stop persecuting the innocent you’ll never be accepted in the civilized world

Richard Baldwin Cook

March 3rd, 2014

I sm looking for the tect of the bill as signed into law.

You link readers to the text of the 2009 bill, while in the same atticle, pointing out that the bill passed in Dec 2013 and signED into law in Feb 2014 is not the same as the 09 text.

???

Guyson Ngotshani

March 9th, 2014

Gayism and lesbianism are sins. Read the holy bible,oh you perverted sinners. Are there any gay gangsters in the bible?

Timothy Kincaid

March 9th, 2014

Actually, Guyson, the Bible is full of individuals that would today be called gay or LGBT. You may know then as “eunuchs”.

Read the Bible, oh you ignorant sinner.

Ben in Oakland

March 9th, 2014

No, we have gangsterism only among heterosexuals. It’s one of the consequences of heterosexism.

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